A seemingly innocuous childhood candy, the gobstopper, aptly nicknamed the “jawbreaker,” lived up to its moniker in a painful incident involving a 19-year-old university student, Javeria Wasim. While shopping in Toronto last month, Wasim and a friend purchased two of the largest gobstoppers they could find, setting the stage for an unforeseen ordeal. Back in their dorm room, Wasim, driven by impatience, attempted to bite through the three-inch diameter sweet rather than gradually licking it to reach the gumball center. The impulsive decision resulted in an immediate, sharp pain in her jaw. Upon closer inspection, her friend noticed a chipped front tooth and another that had become loose.
The seemingly harmless act of biting into a hard candy had resulted in significant damage. A trip to the hospital, followed by X-rays and a CT scan, revealed the extent of the injury: Wasim had fractured her jaw in two places. The diagnosis came as a shock. Doctors explained that the looseness of her tooth was due to the underlying bone fracture. Wasim’s jaw, now barely able to open, was wired shut to facilitate healing. The initial pain was intense, leaving her reliant on painkillers and sleep for relief. She described the experience as blurry and overwhelming, recalling her distress as the ambulance arrived.
The immediate aftermath of the incident brought about significant lifestyle changes. Wasim underwent an hour-long surgery the following day to reset her jaw. Metal bars were inserted into her upper and lower gums to stabilize the fractured bone. The first week post-surgery was particularly agonizing, with constant pain that only subsided during sleep. Furthermore, Wasim was restricted to a liquid-only diet for the six-week healing period, consisting solely of protein shakes and soups. This dietary restriction led to a significant weight loss of seven pounds in just two weeks. The constant hunger and inability to enjoy solid food became a major source of frustration and discomfort.
Beyond the physical pain and dietary limitations, Wasim faced significant emotional and psychological challenges. The constant hunger, coupled with the inability to use her mouth normally, left her feeling perpetually irritated. The incident highlighted the crucial role the mouth plays in daily life, from eating and speaking to even simple actions that are often taken for granted. Wasim admitted feeling traumatized by the experience, acknowledging that it had profoundly impacted her life. The incident also served as a stark reminder of the importance of patience and avoiding impulsive actions. She noted the irony of breaking her jaw on a candy, compared to more common causes like car accidents or fights.
Wasim’s experience serves as a cautionary tale. While gobstoppers are marketed as a long-lasting treat, meant to be enjoyed gradually, her attempt to circumvent the intended consumption method resulted in severe consequences. The six weeks of liquid diet, pain, and restricted movement became a harsh lesson in patience. She now advocates for a more cautious approach to enjoying these hard candies, suggesting that the six weeks it typically takes to lick a gobstopper to its center is a far preferable alternative to the six weeks of suffering she endured.
The incident has left a lasting impact on Wasim. While her jaw has been unwired, she now requires braces to correct the misalignment of her bottom teeth, a further consequence of the injury. The experience has undoubtedly altered her perspective on gobstoppers, leaving her traumatized and unlikely to ever try one again. She expressed regret over her impulsive decision, acknowledging its avoidable nature. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of seemingly harmless actions and the importance of considering the potential risks associated with even everyday activities. Wasim’s story offers a valuable lesson in patience and the importance of adhering to intended usage guidelines, even for something as seemingly innocuous as a children’s candy.
